For the first time in three bouts, Johnny Garcia boxed into the second round.

During his previous two, Garcia knocked out both opponents within the first three minutes.

Larry Ventus of Detroit proved to be a tougher test Saturday night at Fifth Third Ballpark.

After eight grueling rounds, Garcia was declared the winner by unanimous decision. Garcia improved to 16-1 as a professional boxer while Ventus dropped to 6-3.

“My last couple fights have been quick ones,” Garcia said. “I didn't learn as much knocking out my opponents in the first round.”

This bout, however, was a different story. Ventus was pushed into a corner during several rounds by Garcia, but would not go down. In fact, in nine professional fights, Ventus is yet to be knocked out.

“It was a great fight,” Garcia said. “Overall, I am happy with my performance. I could have been sharper, but I learned a lot after 24 minutes of non-stop boxing.”

In the lightweight division, Garcia and Ventus were the co-main event with Jordan Shimmell from Hudsonville and Matt Greer from St. Louis, Mo. being the main event in the heavyweight division.

Garcia has fought in several tournaments with Shimmell. Garcia said it is a blessing to fight in West Michigan.

“I love fighting in the Holland-Grand Rapids area,” Garcia said. “I sold a ton of tickets tonight, and there were many new fans that came out to support me. It's great.”

This marks the third fight for Garcia since Apr. 27 when he knocked out David Laque.

“I need more of these kind of fights,” Garcia said. “I have trained week after week for fights that last one round. Those have abled me to stay healthy.”

The Holland native will watch the tape in the days after the bout as he always does. It is there, according to Garcia, that boxers like him improve.

“It's hard for me to know what I need to improve right after a fight,” said Garcia. “I have to watch the tape. But if anything, I need to get better at knowing when to pick it up and when to back off.”

Garcia plans to spend August training and hopes to return to the ring in September.

“I'm looking to fight in Grand Rapids sometime in September,” Garcia said. “I don't know who the opponent is or where the fight will be, but I'll be ready.”